Pastor running for District 2 county seat

Rev. Tyrone Brown said he has received calls asking him not to seek office

BY ANDREAS BUTLER
DAYTONA TIMES

The Rev. Tyrone Brown, pastor of Cathedral of Faith Ministries of Daytona Beach, is running again for the Volusia County Council seat 2. Brown will compete in the November election against incumbent Councilman Joshua Wagner and local pilot and community activist Ken Ali.

Brown said he received calls asking him not to run. “I’ve had two phone calls asking me to drop out. The guy told me that we already have who we want. I told him, well he can stop by for tea and we can talk about it. He has my address.”

The pastor, who said he was surprised to get the phone calls, will be seeking his second run at politics. He sought the same position back in 2010.

‘The people want representation’
Brown, a retired corrections officer who currently is pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Bethune-Cookman University, believes he’s the right person to serve District 2.

The district includes South Daytona, Daytona Beach Shores, Wilbur-by-the-Sea and Ponce Inlet. It also includes parts of Daytona Beach, Port Orange and unincorporated Volusia County.

“The people of this district want to have someone who is serving them. I am willing to work with others to get things done. The people want representation. They have the power to do it by voting for Tyrone Brown,” Brown stated.

Concerns: Jobs, homelessness
Brown says he’s very familiar with the needs of the community.

“Throughout my professional career and time in the ministry, I have come across people from all walks of life. I have seen people in some of the most difficult situations of their lives. I am familiar with giving them guidance and helping them find help,” Brown told the Daytona Times.

The issues that Brown wants to tackle first are unemployment, hunger and homelessness.

“We have not only people who are going hungry and homeless but entire families. Unemployment is high in both Volusia and Flagler counties. During my life, I have seen that people work when both government and private sector is hiring. The government is looking to privatize prisons. Why can’t government do a better and more effective job? We need a change and new direction,” Brown said.

Brown: Let’s work together
Working together is the key to solving the issues, he said.

“Everyone is talking but nothing is getting done. It’s time to make some inroads so that people can see some results. That’s what I am about – the bottom line. If I get into office, I am willing to work with people, facilities and agencies that already have the capability to deal with these issues,” he noted.

“Many people don’t seek help because of the way they are treated by those who are suppose to help them. They often make others feel even worse.”

In addition, Brown would like to see more money spent where needed most.

“We are spending too much money on the beachside instead of communities that need the most improvement. I see they want to build another hotel. That’s fine, but other things are needed,” stated Brown.

On his lack of political experience
For those who question his political experience, he has only one answer.

Brown responded, “President Obama didn’t have a lot of political experience but he has done some good things. He saved General Motors, which now is once again the world’s No. 1 automaker. Many politicians with the most experience are doing the least.”

Brown lives in Daytona Beach with his wife of nearly 30 years, Vernell. They have three children and five grandchildren.

His professional career includes a stint with the Daytona Beach Fire Department and the Tomoka Department of Corrections from where he retired.

Brown received a degree in Biblical History from the International Seminary in 1991. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Religion and Philosophy at Bethune-Cookman.

“School won’t conflict with my campaign because the professors will allow me to leave and make up anything if needed,” added Brown.